NBA Notebook: 18 Was Enough for Celts

Al Jefferson was happily watching the final seconds of
garbage time from the Boston bench when Delonte West gave him a
piece of advice.

"We've got nothing to celebrate," Jefferson recalled after
Boston ended its franchise-record losing streak at 18 games by beating
the Milwaukee Bucks 117-97. "We should feel good about it. But
don't run off the court like we won the championship."

Paul Pierce scored 32 points and Gerald Green had 21
in 20 minutes on Wednesday night to lead the Celtics to their first
victory since Jan. 5 and send them into the All-Star break with a sigh
of relief. After the break, Boston embarks on a five-game road trip
— four of them against teams in playoff position.

"I thought that if we could win this game, it gives us a fighting
chance out there. That's all we want," coach Doc Rivers
said. "The guys are in there taking monkeys off each others' backs
and all that stuff. It's just a relief to get it done."

Tim Hardaway Apologizes for Anti-Gay Remarks

MIAMI

Retired Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway said Wednesday that he
hates gay people, but later said he regretted the remarks.

"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't
like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people," he said
while a guest on Sports Talk 790 The Ticket. "I'm homophobic. I
don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United
States."

The discussion was sparked by last week's announcement that
retired NBA center John Amaechi is gay. The host asked Hardaway
how he would interact with a gay teammate.

"I don't think he should be in the locker room while we are in
the locker room."

He later apologized for the remarks during a telephone interview
with Fox affiliate WSVN in Miami.

Bryant Backs Bavetta Over Barkley

Los Angeles

Even players are weighing in on who will win the showdown between
former NBA great Charles Barkley and veteran referee Dick
Bavetta.

Barkley, 44, and Bavetta, 67, are scheduled to have a foot race
during this weekend's All-Star break in Las Vegas.

"I'd go with Dick, unless you can tuck and roll," Bryant said,
laughing. "If you're allowed to tuck and roll, then you have to
give Charles the nod."

Above the Rim

Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks was chosen by commissioner
David Stern for the NBA's East All-Star team on Wednesday as a
replacement for injured New Jersey guard Jason Kidd. Kidd will
miss Sunday's game with a back injury. ... Tim Duncan
scored 23 points as San Antonio beat Detroit 90-81 Wednesday night,
snapping the Pistons' seven-game winning streak.